Up to 500 fans from across the globe will descend on Chester this August for an event celebrating the legacy of former indie band Mansun in the city where it all started.
Mansun were formed in Chester in 1995 comprising vocalist/rhythm guitarist Paul Draper, bassist Stove King, lead guitarist/backing vocalist Dominic Chad, and drummer Andie Rathbone.
The band, who had a huge following in Japan, broke up in 2003 while recording their fourth album. Now fan Andy Lyth from Preston has organised a Mansun convention at The Live Rooms taking place on Saturday August 23.
The event will feature a number of panel sessions, with special guests including Paul Lester (The Guardian), Matt Davey (EMI), Maxi Browne (King Adora), Martin Leay (Louder than War), Mark Davies (Crash Rehearsal Studios) and studio engineer Ronnie Stone, who is bringing a selection of previously unheard tapes from recording sessions of Mansun’s acclaimed debut album, Attack of the Grey Lantern.
Convention organiser Andy said: “This is an incredible discovery for Mansun fans – listening to this material is like hearing the Beatles Anthology series, and will change the way fans enjoy Attack of the Grey Lantern. We’re all looking forward to hearing Ronnie’s stories about recording such a seminal album.”
Since Mansun split, lead singer Paul Draper has busied himself working with many artists such as Skunk Anansie, Menace Beach, The Joy Formidable and The Anchoress.
Despite all this, fans have been eager to hear solo material from Draper, going so far as to launch an online petition for him to release an album.
Now their efforts have paid off as the Mansun Convention will feature the first playback of a Paul Draper solo track.
An auction will see items personally donated by members of Mansun sold to raise money for CLIC Sargent, who support children with cancer.
Two tribute bands will perform – Mansunesque and Taxloss Lovers. Also appearing is jazz/blues singer Emma Divine, who is preparing a special selection of Mansun covers to perform in her own distinctive style.
The Mansun Convention will kick off with ‘Wide Open Mic’ – a chance for fans to perform their favourite Mansun songs.
Anyone wishing to perform should register via website www.mansunconvention.co.uk where tickets can also be purchased priced £13.
